Nonna Betty Harpe

One pot creamy tomato beef pasta brings back memories of those evenings when I needed dinner on the table fast but still wanted something that felt like a warm hug. This dish reminds me of the kind of cooking my grandmother did best – simple ingredients that somehow come together into something magical. There’s something … Read more

This Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti brings together layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and three kinds of cheese for a dish that’s become my go-to for Sunday suppers and potluck gatherings. There’s something about the way the ricotta melts into the pasta and how that mozzarella gets all bubbly and golden on top … Read more

Egg Roll in a Bowl is my go-to solution when the dinner hour sneaks up faster than expected, and believe me, after decades in the kitchen, I’ve learned to appreciate recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor for speed. This deconstructed egg roll delivers all the savory, Asian-inspired goodness you crave without the fuss of wrapping or … Read more

Ground beef bulgogi might not be the traditional way to make this Korean dish, but it’s become my weeknight favorite for good reason. Sometimes you want those sweet, savory, umami-rich flavors without the time it takes to slice and marinate beef. I discovered this quicker version during one of those weeks when I was craving … Read more

Korean Ground Beef Bowl is one of those weeknight miracles that makes you feel like a kitchen hero: sweet, savory, just a touch of heat, and on the table faster than you can order takeout. I remember the first time I made this for my grandkids during a busy Wednesday evening. They were skeptical about … Read more

This cheesy ground beef and potatoes recipe brings together everything I love about Midwest comfort cooking: simple ingredients, hearty flavors, and a dish that fills your kitchen with the kind of aromas that make everyone gather around the table. I learned early on that the best weeknight dinners don’t require fancy techniques, just good ingredients … Read more

This Cheesy Tex-Mex Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet brings bold flavors and wholesome ingredients together in one pan for a dinner that’s ready in just 40 minutes. I’ve been making skillet dinners like this for decades, and there’s something magical about how everything comes together – the sweet potatoes soften perfectly, the spices bloom, and … Read more

Sticky Mongolian meatballs and broccoli brings bold Asian-inspired flavors right to your dinner table. In my kitchen, I’ve found this dish hits that perfect balance where everyone at the table goes quiet for a few minutes because they’re too busy enjoying their food. Growing up in the Midwest, we didn’t have much exposure to Asian … Read more

This creamy beef and shells recipe transforms an everyday pasta dish into something truly special – rich, flavorful, and ready faster than takeout delivery. Growing up in the Midwest, I watched my mother turn simple ground beef and pasta into magical weeknight dinners that had us racing to the table. She’d brown the beef in … Read more

Dutch Oven Short Rib Ragu transforms humble short ribs into fall-apart tender meat bathed in a rich, hearty sauce that’ll have your family asking for seconds. This is the kind of recipe that fills your home with the most incredible aroma and brings everyone to the table. I still remember the first time I made … Read more

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf transforms a humble weeknight dinner into something special – juicy ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs, wrapped around a melted cheese center that oozes with every slice. I remember the first time my grandmother made a version of this at the farm, filling her kitchen with the aroma of garlic and oregano … Read more